In a proactive move to champion inclusivity within the advertising industry, the CEO of the 360 creative marketing agency Beryl Agyekum Ayaaba has urged various institutions to create supportive work environment that grows talented women.
She did not only emphasize the need for a supportive work environment but she also advocated for companies across the creative arts industry to create environments that embrace diversity and inclusivity.
The agency she leads, EchoHouse, has for past six years introduced the SheUnit, a dedicated space aimed at supporting and empowering women staff members.
While speaking as part of a woman three-panel hosted by the Ghana Stock Exchange on the theme “Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress,” Beryl underscored the prevailing gender disparities within the advertising field, emphasizing the necessity of breaking down barriers that often hinder women’s professional growth.
Other leading women on the panel were Marcia Ashong, founder and CEO of TheBoardroom Africa, and Linda Ampah, the CEO of Cadling Fashions.
For her part, Beryl urged companies to take a leaf from SheUnit’s playbook and consider implementing similar initiatives to address potential feelings of exclusion experienced by women in male-dominated industries.
SheUnit’s impactful projects, especially during Women’s Month, were highlighted by Beryl as a means to encourage and amplify the voices of women within EchoHouse.
These initiatives go beyond the creative realm, prompting the CEO to encourage other companies to introspectively examine their internal dynamics and address the unique challenges and needs of women in their organizations.
Facing critiques and biases head-on, Beryl emphasized the paramount importance of achieving tangible results. Despite encountering criticism, particularly for being perceived as too emotional, Beryl spotlighted the resilience derived from delivering outcomes that speak louder than preconceived notions. This commitment to results-driven leadership positions SheUnit as a trailblazer in reshaping workplace dynamics and provides a model for other companies to follow suit.
She urged companies to prioritize a focus on tangible outcomes, not only as a shield against biases but also as a means to ensure recognition based on capabilities rather than stereotypes. “This approach is pivotal in fostering supportive work environments that value diversity and empower every individual to thrive,” she added.
The introduction of SheUnit within EchoHouse served as a beacon of change within the advertising industry, and Beryl’s advocacy extends beyond its walls. By encouraging companies to proactively create inclusive environments, Beryl is championing a paradigm shift in how workplaces are structured.
In an evolving industry, initiatives like SheUnit not only challenge traditional norms but also inspire a broader movement toward workplaces where diversity is embraced, and every individual, regardless of gender, can contribute meaningfully to the creative landscape.